Directions

rub oil all over beef and lightly season it with salt and pepper. let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes, covered with plastic wrap.

heat a heavy skillet or grill pan. sear beef over high heat until the outside is a dark brown, then remove from pan and let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.

meanwhile, for the dressing, grind red pepper flakes, garlic, salt, lime zest, and brown sugar in a mortar, until it is a paste. add lime juice, fish sauce and soy sauce; mix thoroughly.

slice beef thinly against the grain and place the slices in a bowl with the shallots, half of the peanuts, and most of the mint and cilantro leaves. pour all of the dressing over the beef mixture and gently toss together.

to serve, divide lettuce leaves between 2 plates and then place beef salad on top. scatter remaining peanuts and herbs on top.